Kamala is making a lot of big promises for a V.P. who didn’t do anything.
On Tuesday, Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign unveiled a new TV ad aimed at reassuring middle-class Americans by promising to lower costs. The 30-second spot, named “Focused,” is part of an extensive $370 million advertising campaign that will run through Election Day. This ad is the fourth economic-themed commercial from Harris’ campaign since the Democratic National Convention, attempting to pin the blame for current economic issues on Republican nominee Donald Trump, who left office in January 2021.
The ad asserts, “All Americans know costs are very high, but while corporations are price gouging American families, Trump is trying to give them tax cuts. She will make food and groceries affordable by ending price gouging and will lower home costs by taking on corporate speculators.” This promise stands in sharp contrast to the reality of economic conditions under the Biden-Harris administration.
Under Biden and Harris, grocery prices have climbed by 20% since January 2021, according to The New York Times. Overall consumer prices have risen by 20.3% in that same period, as reported by the House Ways and Means Committee. The Harris campaign’s attempt to blame these rising costs on price gouging has been widely disputed. The Heritage Foundation points out that price increases for both businesses and consumers have been consistent, with no evidence of excessive price gouging by producers or retailers.
Additionally, mortgage payments have increased by 85% since the Biden-Harris administration began, and real wages and benefits have fallen by 3.9%. Inflation has consistently exceeded the Federal Reserve’s 2% target for 40 consecutive months, and interest rates have reached their highest point in over two decades. Despite these economic challenges, Harris’ campaign continues to attribute these issues to Trump, with spokesperson Charles Kretchmer Lutvak claiming Trump either “doesn’t get it or doesn’t care.”
As the election approaches, it is essential for voters to critically assess these claims and evaluate whether the current administration’s policies are effectively addressing the economic difficulties faced by Americans.
